Making An Imprint

re: Making An Imprint

SPLITS OF 12 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:51:03 GMT

Kantharos is brilliant! I can't wait to see him in a two-turn race. I think he's really going to enjoy more distance. He has the look of a champion! Kudos to Lena Hedburg for breeding this awesome chestnut colt. A son of Lion Heart, out of the beautiful Southern Halo mare Contessa's Halo, she has produced a magnificent racehorse. He's beautifully conformed, and has remarkable balance. He has a very strong neck, and an amazingly efficient stride. Look closely when he races. He gets so much kick from his hind legs because he's able to keep them nice and straight. And the result has been devastating to his opponents. He has demolished each field he's faced, even after battling adversity early in his first three races. I like the way Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen have brought him along thus far. I've heard that the G1 Champagne Stakes, most likely will be his next race. Intially, I liked the idea of coming back quickly in the Hopeful at 7 Fur, on Sept 6th, because it would continue building his foundation, without having to run him two-turns quite yet as he continues to develop. I like when a two-year old runs this type of race progression to start out their career. First race at 5.5 F, 2nd at 6F, then the 3rd at 6.5F, with a 7F race to boot, before they tries two turns. I believe it builds a good bottom end on a racehorse. But since Kantharos last race was in the mud, three weeks, may not be sufficient time, for him to get ready for that race and continue on with this particular race progression. The mud really takes it out of the horses who win in those conditions, especially the young ones. They have to use certain muscles they're not used to, to stay balanced and straight in the race. Therefore, they need more time to recover, after a race in the mud. Look what happened to Super Saver after his Derby victory in the mud. He was so exhausted from the Derby, he had nothing left for the Preakness. He's yet to hit the board since the Derby. So with that in mind the timing for the G1 Champagne Stakes makes perfect sense, for Kantharos to try two turns. Go Katharos!

re: Making An Imprint

Vic Zast — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:06:36 GMT

I think you know already, Bea Ann. But, yes, Sorelle's hats are by Nancy Matt (how cool that her name rhymes).

For the record, however, it was you and not I that called them "lovely." For what it's worth, I liked her frilly white bee-hive hat.

On Wednesday, Sorelle shut its racecourse shop down. Msybe it'll open again on the weekend. Not easy folks to find or contact, by the way.

re: Making An Imprint

Bea Ann Crocetta — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:44:09 GMT

Vic whose lovely hats are at the Sorelle Gallery ? Could they be LeBeau Chapeau, Nancy Matt of Loudonville, NY ? Please let me know. Thanks

re: Making An Imprint

Peter Finger — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:02:54 GMT

I love the Imprints. It looks like you have captured just the right moments with just the right people. Nothing posed but with an artistic eye that captures the energy of the track in a very look and feel. Your work has made a strong imprint on me.

re: Making An Imprint

Dakin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:48:47 GMT

I believe Jan Rushton left NYRA to return to her family home in SC to be with an ill sibling. Always liked her paddock reports and thought it brought good insight that bettors could use. Once NYRA is flush again, they should add this back, maybe using Christina Olivares from TVG.

re: Making An Imprint

Jim Dieso — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:44:21 GMT

PS...They are Australian Shepherds

Jim D

re: Making An Imprint

Jim Dieso — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:42:17 GMT

Vic:

Thanks for wonderful comments about my work. I am much appreciative. Let me know if you would like the images to accompany the piece. I am very grateful for the kind words. Hope to see you at the Travers.

Jim D

re: Making An Imprint

taxman — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:08:49 GMT

So why don't you tell us where Jan Rushton has gone?

re: Making An Imprint

Vic Zast — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:07:27 GMT

Which one is Frankel and which one is the Australian Shepherd? As you can tell, I'm not good at identifying dogs.

re: Making An Imprint

EightBellesLover — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:02:29 GMT

I believe that dog pictured is an Aussie. Anyway great column. I think Kantharos is a future superhorse, along with Position Limit. Stars in the making.

re: Making An Imprint

kicker — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:14:41 GMT

Actually, I think that's Frankel and his beloved Australian Shepherd. Great picture.

re: Making An Imprint

WinngColrz — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:31:41 GMT

Bobby Frankel had Australian Shepherds (as pictured), not Border Collies.